Prayer on the First Sunday Great Lent

We give thanks unto Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, that Thou hast brought us this
present time of fasting unto salvation, so as to heal the great wounds of our
souls in a short span, seeking to lift from us the burden of our many sins; and
we pray Thee, O All-Good One:

drive far from us all Pharisaic hypocrisy in our fasting, and root out from us
Judaic gloom;

make us not arrogant in our abstinence;

keep us from doing that which is forbidden, and from an idle tongue and
mind.

Fill us with the brightness and truth which Thou hast commanded;

give us strength to fight off the passions, and make us mighty in the war
against sin.

By alienation from passions, prepare us to follow Thee, Who hast shewn us
victory over the devil through fasting, so that we may become partakers of Thy
death and Resurrection, and be nourished by Thine eternal sweetness, which Thou
hast made ready for them that hunger and thirst for Thy righteousness.

Strengthen Thy community by fasting and by faith in Thee, and grant strength
against the onslaught of enemies.

For Thou art the God of mercies, and to Thee belongeth glory, together with
the Father and Thine All-Holy, and Good, and Life-creating Spirit, now and ever,
and unto ages of ages. Amen.